Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday (22 April) announced the designation of Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
The designation of Shekha Jheel under the Ramsar Convention takes the total number of such wetlands in India to 99.
Meanwhile, with the latest addition, the tally of Ramsar sites in UP has increased to 12.
"Uttar Pradesh takes the score to 99! Delighted to announce the designation of Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary (Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh) as a Ramsar site", the minister said in a social media post.
He said the announcement brings a boost for local livelihoods and global biodiversity, along with water and climate security and marks "India's 99th, bringing us closer to a historic century".
"With PM Shri @narendramodi ji leading India's ecosystem restoration mission, our commitment towards conservation of wetlands and natural habitat of animals, particularly that of birds, has yet again received a thumbs up from the global community," the minister added.
Highlighting the ecological importance of the site, Yadav said Shekha Jheel acts as a crucial stopover on the Central Asian Flyway, providing a vital habitat for migratory birds such as the Bar-headed Goose, Painted Stork and various ducks during the winter season.
The minister also encouraged people to visit the site.
This comes months after Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat, were recognised as Ramsar sites in January.